Depression is a severe emotional state accompanied by a feeling of heaviness, emptiness, and disappointment. The world is seen through the prism of dull, gray glass. What is happening feels meaningless and useless. It seems to a person that no one understands him, everyone is tired of him, and he is tired of himself. However, ideas about depression are very ambiguous. Often they mistake for it something that is not it, or, on the contrary, they underestimate its danger and consider it a whim. The main signs of depression: - persistently low mood. - loss of the ability to enjoy life. - loss of strength. Additional signs of depression: - impaired concentration. - loss feelings of self-worth. - excessive and unfounded feelings of guilt. - gloomy vision of the future. - suicidal tendencies - sleep disorders. - appetite disorders. The basis for suspecting depression is the presence of at least 2 main and 2 additional signs for 2 weeks or more. Except in situations of acute stress, then normally symptoms can be observed for 2 months. However, if all the signs are present, in a pronounced form, you should not wait 2 weeks to seek help. For severe, endogenous (organic) depression, you will need medication and see a doctor. For milder forms, it is advisable to use psychotherapy. You should not try to cope with this condition on your own. Depression is often based on a stressful experience or internal conflict. It can become an irrational way of avoiding responsibility, when the whole life is perceived as something very difficult and painful. What is the demand for a depressed person? However, such protection often comes at a high cost. Depression may be a child's reaction to unsatisfactory circumstances. With his torment, a person seems to attract the attention of someone very significant to him - a symbolic parent who will come to see how bad he is and feel sorry for him. This happens when in childhood a child was given emotional warmth only during illnesses and other troubles. And a sadomasochistic pattern is fixed in his psyche, that only those who suffer are loved. A person can react with depression when the world does not live up to his expectations and events do not develop according to his scenario. In this case, it is worth reconsidering internal expectations and attitudes. We don't have to like the world, but that doesn't mean we can't be happy in it. In a positive sense, depressive experiences can be a productive basis for creativity. Many talented people created their best works precisely in a state of melancholy. However, this solution is not available to everyone. A depressed state can provide a person with many hidden benefits. In despondency, he can forgive himself all his weaknesses and expect the same from others. If everything is meaningless, then you can relieve the painful tension - not take care of yourself, not develop, not work so much, etc. You can live as you please and give free rein to your destructive habits, because it all means nothing anymore. If you suspect depression in yourself or a loved one, you should not expect that “it will go away.” There is no need to try or demand to “pull yourself together.” This condition requires an exclusively professional approach. Thank you for your interest in my publications!!! You can get additional advice or make an appointment by calling 8-905-798-73-13 or using the feedback form on my website niknyuteva.ru With sincere respect and care, Psychologist, Irina Niknyuteva